Exalted Ruler installed

George Prichard, Elks state secretary, presents Sandy Read with her gavel during a ceremony Thursday night at the Bremerton Lodge 1181. Read is the first woman to serve as exalted ruler in the 103-year history of the lodge.

Sandy Read and other officers take the Elks oath during Thursday’s installation ceremony.

Not too long ago, women were not even allowed to be full members of the Elks. Now, Sandy Read is the exalted ruler of the Bremerton lodge.

Sandy Read’s 90-year-old mother, Barbara Bridgmon, participates in the ceremony Thurssday. At right is past exalted ruler and master of ceremonies Ed Miller.